The Power of One!

By Roy Assad

It is said “there is nothing more powerful than the human soul on fire!” And that is when a human being can make a difference when one man or woman can change the way things are done, and create a new way of solving a problem.

What gives someone, a man, a woman, the ability to impact our world in a powerful way? Are there characteristics inherent in these individuals? And what price do they pay? I will attempt to share with you, the reader, some of what I consider the essential elements of power!

We have all either known someone who always strives to make a difference, or perhaps it is you who has chosen this path! — to make a difference in our homes, schools, companies, and better yet, our world.

Steve Jobs of Apple Computer said, “Let’s make a dent in the universe” and he through his technological advances surely have made a dent!

In the many years of working with people, and organizations, I have discovered several common
— some might say, “uncommon!” characteristics present in those beings that affect change, first in themselves, their environment, and ultimately the universe … what I like to call, the Power of One!

1. The power of being present: That is when people are so in the “moment” where you can tell they are present in the mind, spirit and body where you can feel them with you and they are not distracted by anything around them, that power of being present is extremely effective. “Where ever you are, be all there!”
2. The power of sacrifice: It is said that “great achievement is born from great sacrifice” nothing in the world is free! Freedom has its price so when we begin to understand the great privileges we have and what it cost others for us to have them then we can understand the meaning and value of sacrifice, like what it took to set the Eastern Block nations free!
3. The power of creativity: “We are all born original! However, many of us die a copy!” and that is so sad. We all need to be as creative and different in order to create a better world, a better school or even a better family. “Don’t follow a path, leave a trail.”
4. The power of enthusiasm: Enthusiasm is contagious, no one likes being around someone who is always down on life, we love being around people who live an excited life, and we need to always be “ON” excited about the future opportunity, excited about our responsibility to mankind and to our community.
5. The power of commitment: I am sure you know what that means, when a friend promises to love you forever, or when someone pledges to support you in your efforts, these type of people are rare, and we are challenged to be committed and as they say “commitment can be felt.” Someone once told me a story of a kamikaze pilot who was flying his 59th mission, he obviously lacked commitment!
6. The power of humility: It is said “go the extra mile, it is not crowded there” no one ever likes to feel unloved, and humbleness is a great trait to possess. Many people, as they become successful, lose their humility and what a shame it is. “It is nice to be important; however, it is more important to be nice!”
7. The power of your word: When President John F. Kennedy addressed the nation and challenged the American people as to “ask not what your country has done for you, instead ask what have you done for your country?” that question still rings true today a powerful word is an amazing force! Effective communication is a trait that is required to be powerful, the clarity of our conversation! A coach friend of mine had a speech titled “No Guessing” do our words leave people guessing?
8. The power of the people: Every successful family, church, company and city that has become powerful had the right people involved, for without the people nothing is accomplished! The right people, doing the right things, at the right time and for the right reasons. That is people power!

It is said “there is nothing more powerful than the human soul on fire!” and that is when a human being can make a difference when one man or woman can change the way things are done, and create a new way of solving a problem. I am not suggesting that we all go out with the aim of changing the world; however, I am suggesting that it is within us to have the power of making a difference in our own areas of life, impacting the people around us, and that my friend is the “Power of One.”

Joseph Epstein wrote a piece titled “The secret passion,” and it summarizes what I have said beautifully and it goes like this: “We do not choose to be born. We do not choose our parents. We do not choose our historical epoch or the country of our birth or the immediate circumstances of our upbringing.

We do not, most of us, choose to die; nor do we choose the time or conditions of our death. But within all this realm of choicelessness, we do choose how we shall live; courageously or in cowardice, honorably or dishonorably, with purpose or adrift. We decide what is important and what is trivial in life.

We decide that what makes us significant is either what we do or what we refuse to do. But no matter how indifferent the universe may be to our choices and decisions, these choices and decisions are ours to make. We decide. We choose. And as we decide and choose, so are our lives formed. In the end, forming our own destiny is what ambition is all about.”